Mayor Richard Kos Not Running For Re-Election In Chicopee, Other Races Taking Shape

Chicopee, Massachusetts, Mayor Richard Kos said he's not running for re-election. This creates at least the second race for an open mayoral seat in western Mass. this year.

Kos is wrapping up his second stint as the mayor of Chicopee, and will end up serving a total of 12 years. He said he plans to focus on his law practice once he leaves office.

And Kos had this advice for whoever ends up replacing him.

"Do what's right... what's right for the city," Kos said. "Quite often, a lot of people when they are in office, part of their job seems to be getting re-elected, and they seem to cater to that strain of operation."

Accomplishments Kos said he's most proud of include the building of two new high schools during his first tenure, and later the renovation of the public safety complex and City Hall.

Kos said the decision not to run again was a tough one, but "it's better to leave a little bit early than to stay too long."

Meanwhile, in Westfield, Mayor Brian Sullivan announced earlier he will not be seeking a third term.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is running for re-election, as is Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer, according to her campaign spokesman.

Greenfield Mayor William Martin and North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard have not publically revealed any re-election plans.

A Chicopee, Massachusetts, resident became the largest single winner in American lottery history, hitting a $758.7 million jackpot on Powerball.

In a press conference at the Massachusetts State Lottery's Braintree headquarters, Mavis Wanczyk, 53, said she was leaving work at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield when she realized she had instantly become a multi-millionaire.

She phoned her workplace the next morning, she said.

"I called them, and I told them that I will not be coming back," Wanczyk said with a chuckle.